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CNET
3 days ago
- Politics
- CNET
My Guide to Discussing Police or ICE Raids on Your Ring and Nextdoor Apps
As the number of ICE raids has increased this year, so has the discussion on social media. And that includes a lot of talk on apps like Ring Neighbors and Nextdoor as people catch events through security cams or video doorbells. This has led to some conflict, too: Users want to post about police activity in their area and warn others, but many have found that their posts get taken down. That's led to worries that apps are censoring certain kinds of discussion -- so I reached out to the companies to see what was going on. The news is mostly good: Posting about events like ICE raids is allowed and these social apps want people to have as many open conversations as possible, but only if you follow certain rules. Here's how stay inside the lines and keep your neighbors informed at the same time. Rules about reporting law enforcement activity on apps like Ring Neighbors Posts that name streets and other nearby locations are less likely to be removed. Tyler Lacoma/CNET When I reached out to Ring about its Neighbors app policies regarding recent events and police raids (as well as Reddit reports about posts being taken down), the company provided helpful information about its specific policies. I found out the reasons why Ring tends to remove certain posts or stop them from going live on Neighbors. For one thing, posts about a general law enforcement presence can get nixed. So if someone said ICE was spotted in "Bell Gardens," their post would be denied because that's just too vague. Or if a post asked, "Hey, is there any ICE activity in town?" it wouldn't be allowed. Other posts get banned if they: Explicitly obstruct law enforcement Voice political opinions Assume immigration status, or other types of prejudice Don't pertain to local events Ring Neighbors does allow posts about specific law enforcement activity Ring posts generally allow for specific information, but not broad discussion or accusations. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Posts that cite an exact location, or images showing agents directly connected to an event, tend to be fine. If someone said, "I saw ICE knocking on doors at the IHOP on Florence and Pico," that would be allowed, according to Ring's guidelines. Other allowed posts provide info on the exact cross streets, addresses, complexes, blocks and so on. Bans aren't always immediate. Sometimes posts that violate guidelines are taken down after the fact, either as a result of postpublication moderation, user flagging or user deletion. And customers can usually appeal moderation decisions for the sake of consistency. When I turned to Nextdoor, another popular neighborhood app used for discussing events, a company spokesperson said something similar: "Our platform fosters discussions of local issues and, as such, our Community Guidelines prohibit broad commentary or personal opinions on national political topics." As long as it's a local issue and users follow the basic community guidelines (be respectful, don't discriminate and use your true identity), then posts should be fine. Guidelines for posting on Ring Neighbors and more App users need to give details and thorough descriptions in their posts, especially if they're including a picture. Tyler Lacoma/CNET When I visit my own Neighbors app, I see -- contrary to some reports -- that users frequently post about hearing sirens or police activity in their own neighborhoods, ask about masked strangers or raise questions about law enforcement. Posts like these make it clear: You can still post about security concerns on Ring Neighbors and other apps, even and especially when they involve police activity. You can also post about people you don't recognize and strangers knocking, which opens the door (not literally) to talking about masked federal ICE agents that aren't wearing any identifiers. In other words, it looks like what Ring said holds true. Explicit information citing current, local events, preferably with address data, is allowed. "Focus on the behavior that raised your suspicion," Nextdoor recommends. "Describe the potentially criminal or dangerous activity you observed or experienced -- what the person was doing, what they said (if they spoke to you). Include the direction they were last headed." If you post with an eye toward the safety of your neighborhood, your post is less likely to be removed. Finally, avoid posts that include gruesome content, or that violate someone's privacy, which are also red flags likely to lead to a block. Can users coordinate with one another on apps like Ring Neighbors? Ring tends to allow conversations about what people can share concerning ongoing police events. Tyler Lacoma/CNET This is a gray area and it's difficult to know if discussions will get removed. In my experience on the Neighbors app, many discussions about sirens and unexplained police presence were left up, allowing people to provide additional information from their own perspectives, what they heard on police scanners and more. It's possible that the more these posts mention ICE or federal enforcement, the more likely they'll be removed, and if conversations move into discussions about national issues or general legal advice, they may be taken down. But many people have reported that they've successfully used apps like Neighbors to talk about nearby law enforcement raids, so I don't see any evidence of a blanket ban. Groups using the Neighbors app to communicate important information or provide help should also be aware of the Neighbors Verified tag, which is available to both public safety agencies and community organizations. This tag makes it easier for users of Neighbors to trust information and announcements from specific accounts. Verified accounts don't have access to any additional information about users. Reports of law enforcement covering up home doorbells and cameras An NBC affiliate in Denver, 9News, published footage of what it reported were federal agents covering up a video doorbell during a raid. (The Independent reported that ICE said it "does not comment on specific tactics, capabilities, or operational details.") It's unclear if a move like this is illegal under protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, but civil rights attorneys have said it is. If anything like this happens, it's best to immediately save the recording -- and remember that agents almost always need a warrant to enter your home. A few final rules to follow Often the best response to a federal raid is no response at all, as well as remembering your rights. Westend61/Getty Images Whether you're concerned about federal raids, curious about what law enforcement is doing in your area or just want clarification about worrying events, remember a few basic rules as outlined by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigrant Justice Center: Don't escalate: In cases where federal agents or people appearing to be agents have knocked on doors, people have done nothing and simply waited for agents to leave. Remember, without a warrant, they usually can't enter a house, and if you have a video doorbell, it can still record everything that happens. Avoid confrontation when possible, and don't give law enforcement anything to act on. Remember, everyone still has the right to remain silent. If you feel your safety is endangered, call 911 or seek help from a nonprofit: Calling 911 is very helpful if you feel unsafe because of nearby events. You can explain the situation and have a record of the call. 911 is an emergency response service and isn't in the business of reporting to federal agents. There are also local immigrant rights agencies you can contact to report ICE, and groups like the ACLU can usually point you in the right direction. For more information, take a look at the latest news on what Ring is letting the police see (it's good news for privacy fans), the legal ramifications of recording video or audio in your home, and what you and landlords can legally do with security cameras.
Independent Singapore
04-07-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Punggol HDB flat owner says debt collectors keep turning up at his house even though he didn't take any loan
Photo: Depositphotos/tang90246 SINGAPORE: A resident living at Block 666B Punggol Drive has revealed that he has been receiving repeated letters from licensed moneylenders, even though he never took out any loans. The resident, John, told Stomp that he had been receiving letters from various authorised moneylenders from April 2024 to as recently as June 2025. The letters alleged that he had outstanding debts amounting to over $10,000. John told Stomp, 'The thing is, I never borrowed money from anyone.' The Punggol resident said he only moved into the flat after purchasing it on September 7, 2023. It wasn't until later that he discovered it was likely that the loans could have been taken out by the previous owner of his unit. John's concerns escalated when his unit was visited by debt collectors while he was overseas. A video he shared shows two men knocking on his door and waiting outside. 'Although they were very professional and did not cause any disturbance, what would my neighbours assume?' he said. Debt collectors from different moneylending firms have visited his flat multiple times over the past year, each time searching for the unit's previous occupant. 'Once they realised that the previous owner had already sold the flat, they did not bother us anymore,' he explained. 'However, I'm not sure if there will be any others.' To protect himself and document the recurring issue, John lodged two police reports. He said he hopes the ordeal serves as a cautionary tale. 'Hopefully people do not try using our address again,' he told Stomp, adding that it's been a stressful experience for his household.
Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Over 20,000 lost items reported in 2024; ID cards, passports most common
The Ministry of Interior in the United Arab Emirates revealed that a total of approximately 20,000 reports of lost items were submitted to police centers across the country in 2024. These reports were filed through the Ministry's smartphone application, official website, and via in-person visits to police stations. According to the open data statistics published on the Ministry's website, identity cards and passports were the most commonly reported lost and found items. Other frequently reported items included gold jewelry, cash, foreign currency, wallets, personal bags, official documents, driving licenses, and bank cards. To make the process more accessible, the Ministry offers the "Police Station in Your Phone" service. This is part of its ongoing efforts to digitize services and streamline police operations. The initiative allows users to file police reports and access a wide range of services from anywhere, eliminating the need for physical presence at police centers. Through this service, users can easily interact with police departments, submit their cases, and track the progress of their requests, all from the comfort of their current location. This reflects the Ministry's broader vision of enhancing public safety and security through smart solutions and digital transformation. In related guidance, the official portal of the UAE Government provided detailed steps for individuals who lose or damage their Emirates ID or passport: Lost Emirates ID or Passport: What to Do If an Emirates ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, individuals must report it immediately to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). The authority will deactivate the old card and issue a new one. In the case of a lost passport, expatriates must ensure their residency visa is reissued. If the visa is still valid, it will be reattached to the new passport. If it has expired, a new visa with updated validity will be issued based on standard procedures. For Expatriates Who Lose Their Passport Report the loss. Visit the nearest police station where the passport was lost. Complete a dedicated passport loss report form. If the Lost Passport Belongs to a minor, the parent or guardian must file a police report. If the Lost Passport Belongs to a Sponsored Employee The employer must submit a letter to the police department in the relevant emirate. The letter should be on official company letterhead, and accompanied by copies of the trade license and company establishment card. If the Lost Passport Belongs to a Family-Sponsored Individual The sponsor must submit a signed letter along with a copy of their own passport. In Dubai, the process is linked to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Dubai Courts. Follow-up Steps After Police Report Step 1: File a police report at the nearest station. Step 2: Visit the courts, public prosecution, and the GDRFA in your emirate to certify the report. Step 3: Return to the police station to receive the official loss certificate. Step 4: Visit your country's embassy or consulate in the UAE to apply for a new passport. Step 5: Once the new passport is issued, return to the GDRFA to reapply or transfer your residency visa. If the Passport Is Lost Abroad If the individual is in their home country, they must follow local procedures to report the lost passport and apply for a new one. If the individual is in a third country, they should contact their embassy or consulate in that country for instructions on how to proceed. This multi-step system is designed to ensure security, proper documentation, and verification at each stage, while making it as efficient as possible for residents and visitors in the UAE.
